Association of Weekly Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity with Subjective Vitality and Mental Toughness in Spanish Adolescents Aged 10–16 Years

Abstract

Physical activity levels decline notably during adolescence, raising concerns due to its impact on present and future psychological health. Understanding how weekly MVPA is associated with psychological functioning during adolescence may provide relevant information for research and health promotion. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the association between weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and two key psychological outcomes, subjective vitality and mental toughness, in Spanish adolescents aged 10–16 years, controlling for sex, age, and body mass index (BMI). This cross-sectional study included 286 adolescents (52.4% girls; mean age = 13.34 ± 1.61 years) who participated in the study. MVPA was measured using the PACE+ Adolescent Physical Activity Measure, subjective vitality using the Subjective Vitality Scale, and mental toughness using the Mental Toughness Index. Linear regression and ANCOVA analyses were performed to assess associations. Analyses revealed that higher weekly MVPA was significantly associated with greater subjective vitality and mental toughness, independent of covariates. Active adolescents demonstrated substantially higher subjective vitality (+12.7%) and mental toughness (+10.0%) compared with inactive peers (both p < 0.05). Regular engagement in MVPA appears to be associated with higher psychological well-being and resilience during adolescence. These findings support the importance of expanding opportunities for adolescents to engage in MVPA as part of strategies aimed at promoting adaptive psychological capacities.